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International Students and Scholars

Immigration Updates

We here at Pace International want you to know that we value your presence at Pace University and support you. Regardless of your background, religious affiliation, or country of origin, each of you are an important member of our academic community. We will continue to admit students in a way consistent with our non-discrimination policy. Your global perspectives enrich Pace every day. Your presence on campus reflects our foundational commitment to inclusion and diversity.

COVID-19 Updates

We will continue to provide you updates on travel amid COVID-19. Please also review the FAQ for Pace University's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements and SEVP's current COVID-19 Policy Guidance.

FAQ Related to COVID-19

Travel Ban Updates

There have been a series of Executive Orders issued by the previous administration. Some of them may impact visa processing and certain nationals’ entry to the U.S. under certain visa type. We have been following up throughout the past few years and updating you on this page with any new development. We will continue to update you.

Proclamation on Advancing  the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The October 25 Presidential Proclamation titled “Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic” ends all the travel restrictions and previous Presidential travel-related amid COVID-19 Proclamations.

    • The proclamation sets a global vaccination requirement for all foreign national travelers, no exception for F or J visa.
    • Student visa is not under National Interest Exception (NIE) any longer.
    • That said, all upcoming students should be fully vaccinated by one of the accepted COVID-19 vaccines 14 days before they take the flight.
    • New upcoming students need to be mindful of the CDC timeline and plan accordingly.
    • Travelers are still required to obtain a negative result on a COVID viral test taken three days, or in some cases one day, before their departure to the United States.
    • The Proclamation has no effect on visa application. That said, someone who is not fully vaccinated at the time of a visa application or interview could still be issued a visa by a U.S. consulate, but would have to be fully vaccinated in order to board the airplane.
    • No religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine are acceptable.
    • Medical conditions documented by medical professionals will be considered. CDC guidelines state: “Airlines or airline operators must confirm that any Covered Individual claiming this exception has a signed letter from a licensed physician documenting a medical contraindication to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Airlines must review the letter…”
    • Biden administration made an exception to those non-immigrants citizens of countries with low vaccination availability. CDC's List of Foreign Countries with Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Availability includes 50 countries in total. Citizens of those countries can arrive unvaccinated but will have a 60-day commitment to get fully vaccinated in the U.S.

  • Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 means it has been:

    • 2 weeks (14 days) since a person received one dose of an accepted single-dose-series COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Janssen/J&J); OR
    • 2 weeks (14 days) since a person’s second dose in a 2-dose series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine;
    • 2 weeks (14 days) since a person received the full series of an “active” (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials; OR
    • 2 weeks (14 days) since the person received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccine administered at least 17 days apart

  • "Accepted COVID-19 vaccines are those vaccines that are currently either authorized for emergency use or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or are emergency use listed (EUL) or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Make sure your vaccine and proof of vaccination are acceptable to board a flight to the United States".

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National Interest Exceptions to COVID-19 Travel Bans

Effective August 1, 2021 travel restrictions will be officially lifted for students who were previously restricted from travel to the U.S. under COVID-19 Travel Bans under Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143 related to the spread of COVID-19. That said, students, F-1 visa holders, coming from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland are now eligible for the National Interest Exception (NIE) to COVID-19 restrictions. Student visa is under NIE category now which means you are considered an essential traveler effective August 1, 2021.

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COVID-19 Travel Bans Suspending Travel to the U.S. Remain in Effect

"The geographic COVID-19-related Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143, which suspend entry into the United States of foreign nationals who have been physically present in the People’s Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa in the 14-day period before seeking entry into the United States, remain in effect" (Travel.State.Gov, April 7, 2021).

Additional Resources:

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Student Traveler Exceptions to Schengen Area and UK and Ireland Travel Bans

Consistent with the U.S. Department of State announcement on July 14, 2020: “Certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9993 (Schengen Area) and 9996 (United Kingdom and Ireland). Qualified business and student travelers may travel to the United States even as PPs 9993 and 9996 remain in effect”.

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SEVP July 6 Fall 2020 Guidance Rescinded

The Department of Homeland Security agreed to rescind the Fall 2020 guidance and return to SEVP Policy guidance form March 9 (PDF) and SEVP Policy guidance from March 13 (PDF), which clarifies status maintenance under COVID-19 whether you are inside or outside of the United States. If you are enrolled full-time online or in a combination of classes [in-person/hybrid and online] (depending on your circumstances, in-person classes availability, and/or your health status) you will maintain your F-1 status. In addition, you no longer need an updated I-20 with remarks verifying your status, as it was mandated by a rescinded policy from July 6.

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SEVP Guidance for Fall 2020

On July 6, 2020 SEVP published Broadcast Message 2007-01 - COVID-19 and Fall 2020. Some flexibility will continue for schools that adopt an in-person or hybrid model for Fall 2020. By August 4, 2020 schools must reissue all Forms I-20 after updating SEVIS with a statement in the Form I-20 Remarks field that "the school is not operating entirely online, that the student is not taking an entirely online course load for the fall 2020 semester, and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program”.

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COVID-19 Travel Bans Suspending Travel to the U.S.

As you may have already heard, the U.S. President has announced Travel Bans suspending travel to the U.S. Review the COVID-19 Travel Bans by Presidential Proclamation.

  • China Travel Ban effective February 2
  • Iran Travel Ban effective March 2
  • European Schengen Area Travel Ban effective March 13
  • Ireland and United Kingdom Travel Ban effective March 16
  • Brazil Travel Ban effective May 26

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Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban

Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban effective February 21, 2020. Travel Ban 4.0 places visa and entry restrictions on immigrants but not on nonimmigrants; therefore, the expanded travel ban will not impact issuance of nonimmigrant visas, such as F-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor, H-1B worker, etc., nor will it impact admission to the U.S. for those categories. Travel Ban 3.0 remains in effect.

Travel Bans 3.0 and 4.0 travel and entry ban restrictions apply to the following countries in specific ways.

Resource: Travel Ban: NAFSA Resources

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Entry of Iranian nationals "under valid student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas is not suspended, although such individuals should be subject to enhanced screening and vetting requirements."
    • Entry under other types of nonimmigrant visas is suspended

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Entry is suspended for nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas.
    • Entry under other types of nonimmigrant visas is not suspended

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Entry is suspended for all nonimmigrant visa categories

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Visa adjudications for nationals of Somalia and decisions regarding their entry as nonimmigrants are subject to additional scrutiny to determine if applicants are connected to terrorist organizations or otherwise pose a threat to the national security or public safety of the United States

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Entry is suspended for all nonimmigrant visa categories

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry is suspended for Venezuelan nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, but only for officials of government agencies of Venezuela involved in screening and vetting procedures - including the Ministry of the Popular Power for Interior, Justice and Peace; the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration and Immigration; the Scientific, Penal and Criminal Investigation Service Corps; the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service; and the Ministry of the Popular Power for Foreign Relations - and their immediate family members.
    • Nationals of Venezuela not subject to the above suspension should nevertheless "be subject to appropriate additional measures to ensure traveler information remains current."

  • Governed by Proclamation 9645, Travel Ban 3.0

    • Entry as an immigrant is suspended
    • Entry is suspended for nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas
    • Entry under other types of nonimmigrant visas is not suspended

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Eritrea as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants whose eligibility is based on having provided assistance to the United States Government, is hereby suspended.

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Kyrgyzstan as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants whose eligibility is based on having provided assistance to the United States Government, is hereby suspended.

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Burma as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants whose eligibility is based on having provided assistance to the United States Government, is hereby suspended.

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants whose eligibility is based on having provided assistance to the United States Government, is hereby suspended.

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Sudan as Diversity Immigrants, as described in section 203(c) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1153(c), is hereby suspended.

  • Governed by Proclamation of January 31, 2020, Travel Ban 4.0

    • The entry into the United States of nationals of Tanzania as Diversity Immigrants, as described in section 203(c) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1153(c), is hereby suspended.

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U.S. Supreme Court upholds Travel Ban 3.0

On June 26, 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third iteration of the Travel Ban. The ban had been in effect since December 4, 2017, after the Supreme Court stayed preliminary injunctions that had partially blocked the ban. Travel Ban 3.0 is currently in effect for the following seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia. The ban generally applies only to nationals of subject countries who were outside the U.S. and without a valid U.S. visa when the ban went into effect. The ban restrictions are country-specific.

The ban permits the continued issuance of student (F-1) and exchange visitor/scholar (J-1) visa for nationals of the affected countries, with exception of North Korea and Syria. Nationals of these countries are banned from obtaining non-immigrant visas, F-1/J-1 visa to include.

Indefinite Entry Bar under Executive Order

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On December 4 2017, the Supreme Court issued an order which permitted implementation of the September 24 travel ban. The Supreme Court order allows the government to fully enforce Travel Ban 3.0 on all 8 countries, as listed below, within the original scope of Proclamation 9645. It also means that whether a citizen of one of the 8 countries has a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States is no longer relevant in determining if he or she is subject to the travel ban.

Nationals of the eight countries are subject to various travel restrictions, set forth in Proclamation. However, with the exception of Syria and North Korea, F-1 and J-1 visa applicants for now are not affected.

As specified in the Proclamation, consular officers may issue a visa based on a listed waiver category to nationals of countries identified in the Presidential Proclamation on a case-by-case basis, when they determine: that issuance is in the national interest, the applicant poses no national security or public safety threat to the United States, and denial of the visa would cause undue hardship. An individual who seeks to travel to the United States should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might demonstrate that he or she is eligible for a waiver.

On December 22 the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit (covering the west coast) overruled the current version of the travel ban as being beyond Presidential authority, but only as to those within a credible bona fide relationship with the United States. It now awaits decision in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, before a decision on the ban will be ready for the Supreme Court.

Resources:

    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No nonimmigrant visas except F, M, and J visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No nonimmigrant visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: N/A
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No nonimmigrant visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 visas of any kind for officials of the following government agencies Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace; the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration, and Immigration; the Corps of Scientific Investigations, Judicial and Criminal; the Bolivarian Intelligence Service; and the People's Power Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and their immediate family members.
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: N/A
    • Nonimmigrant Visas: No B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas
    • Immigrant and Diversity Visas: No immigrant or diversity visas

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Courts temporarily block Trump's Revised Travel Ban

  • "March 16, 2017: The U.S. District Court in Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, preventing the Government from enforcing Executive Order 13780's 90-day entry bar, but not the executive order's bar on refugee admissions.
  • March 15, 2017: The U.S. District Court in Hawaii issued a nationwide temporary restraining order, preventing the Government from enforcing the 90-day entry bar and 120-day refugee entry bar."

    (NAFSA Travel Advisory)

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New Executive Order on Immigration

On March 6, 2017 President Trump issued a new Executive Order on immigration. This replaces the previous Executive Order that restricted immigration and travel by nationals of seven muslim-marjority countries. The new Executive order removes Iraq from the list of barred countries.

Key points of the new Executive Order:

  • A 90 day suspension (effective March 16, 2017) of the issuance of visas to and entry of foreign nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
  • It applies to foreign nationals OUTSIDE the United States on its effective date, March 16, 2017.
  • It does not apply to dual national of the 6 countries when traveling on a passport of a non designated country,
  • Visa interviews may no longer be waived.
  • All foreign nationals presenting themselves for admission are subject to scrutiny by the officers of U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
  • The new order specifically limits its scope to foreign nationals outside the United States.
  • No special announcement from USCIS in connection with this Executive Order, which means that adjudication of extensions of stay and changes of status, and other benefits applicable to a non-immigrant visa, so far remain unaffected.

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Immigration News Alert

February 9, 2017 - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled (PDF) that the Temporary Restraining Order against the travel ban instituted by the Executive Order remains in place. Therefore, individuals from the seven designated countries, who have valid visas and are otherwise eligible to enter the U.S., may board carriers abroad and travel to the United States to apply for admission. Individuals from the seven countries, however, are still cautioned about leaving or entering the U.S. as additional court action could be taken at any time. Further, individuals from the seven countries have reported that they are being inspected more vigorously than heretofore, including having their electronic gear searched, with demands for passwords for email and social web sites, and the like. Remember, too, that when flying to the United States, unless and until you are admitted by U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers, you do not have a right to counsel, or to the full panoply of rights you would have once admitted. USC and BP has clarified that dual nationals who are traveling on a non-seven country passport, but who may be dual nationals of one of the seven countries, are to be treated based upon the passport they present, should the travel ban be reinstated. On February 13, 2017, the 9th Circuit began the process of considering whether the Government’s quest to lift the temporary restraining order should be reheard by the 9th Circuit en banc, that is to say, by the entire court rather than by the three judge panel which decided the case previously. If such an action were taken, a change in the situation could occur quickly. In all of these circumstances, persons from the seven countries should try to avoid travel if at all possible.

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Court temporarily blocks Trump's travel ban, but situation remains fluid

Recent events have provided confusing signals to those attempting to understand the effects of the President’s Executive Order suspending entry to the United States for visa holders from the seven majority-Muslim countries.

On January 31, 2017, the Justice Department released a State Department notice revoking most visas that had previously been issued to travelers from the seven majority-Muslim countries covered by the Executive Order. Although the notice allows for waivers of the revocation "on a case-by-case basis,” it is unclear what the procedure to obtain a waiver may be. The effect of this notice may be to prevent those previously legal visa holders from returning to the U.S. if they leave the country.

On February 3, 2017, a federal judge in Seattle issued an order temporarily blocking the Executive Order from being enforced, nationwide. The court order at least temporarily reopened America’s door to visa holders from the seven predominantly Muslim countries.

On February 4, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security announced that to comply with the Seattle Federal Court order, until further notice, it would stop flagging travelers from the seven countries. In a similar move, the U.S. State Department announced that it would allow people with valid visas into the United States. However, it was also reported that the Justice Department intends to seek an emergency stay of the Seattle Court’s order. If the stay is obtained, enforcement of the Executive Order bar on persons from the seven countries, will resume.

Because of the fluidity of this situation, we reiterate our recommendation that any visa or temporary or permanent green card holders from the seven countries consult with an immigration expert before leaving the U.S., due to the possibility that you may be unable to return.

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For ALL Non-immigrant F-1 visa holders

Please allow for an extended period of time abroad for visa processing; visa interview wait times are expected to increase significantly. You can review the visa appointment and application processing times at the Department of State’s website.

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For citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen

The Executive Order implements an immediate ban on entry to the U.S. for 90 days for nationals (citizens) from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. If you are from one of these countries, you can legally remain in the U.S. provided you maintain your current visa status. We strongly recommend not traveling outside of the U.S. at this time.

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Holds on USCIS applications/petitions

In connection with the implementation of the Executive Order, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services employees have been directed not to take any final action on any type of application/petition for naturalization, asylum, change of visa status or ANY other benefits for citizens/nationals of the seven countries, until further notice.

For current and prospective Pace students and employees who are citizens/nationals of the seven countries, who have applications pending or were planning to submit such applications to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, those applications will not be adjudicated going forward.

For students and employees of the Pace Community who have pending naturalization applications for relatives whom they wished to sponsor for permanent residence, or who had two year admissions to permanent residence which would normally be extended at the end of the two year period upon a showing of the couple’s having continued to live in a marital relationship – it appears that all of that will be halted until further notice until the situation is changed. Please note, all these people can and should file their applications and petitions; but no final action will be taken on them until some unnamed date.

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Guidance

February 3, 2017 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Implementation of January 27 Executive Order (PDF)
USCIS has announced, counter to previous reports in the press, that there is no current “hold” on processing applications for immigration benefits filed with USCIS that do not “directly confer travel authorization,” including change of status (I-539), F-1 Optional Practical Training (I-765), J-2 work permission (I-765), H-1B petitions (I-129), etc. Applications can be filed with USCIS, receipted, and processed.

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At these challenging times, we want to offer you the following resources:

  • Pace University Counseling Center - New York City, (212) 346-1526, and Westchester, (914) 773-3710
  • And of course, the ISS dedicated staff is here to help you!

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New York City Police Department (NYPD) Policy on Immigration Status

"The NYPD is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for immigrant communities while also maintaining public safety for all. With this backdrop, the NYPD believes it is important to reiterate our immigration related policies.

  • The NYPD accepts the city's IDNYC as a valid and recognized form of government-issued identification including for the issuance of summonses and Desk Appearance Tickets.
  • The NYPD does not inquire about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or others who call or approach the police seeking assistance.
  • The NYPD does not conduct civil immigration enforcement. Specifically, this department does not enforce administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents or federal immigration judges solely in connection with civil immigration violations.

It is our city's resolve to remain a safe and welcoming place for all immigrants.

THE NYPD IS HERE FOR YOU."

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